Smokers in Hounslow are being urged to kick the habit and stamp out butts for good on national No Smoking Day on Wednesday (March 11).

A team of experts from Hounslow Stop Smoking services are calling on smokers to be 'proud to be a quitter', this year's theme.

While studies show that two-thirds of smokers want to quit, based on smoking statistics from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) in April 2014, nearly one in five UK adults continue to smoke, including 13% in Hounslow, according to local smoking prevalence based on 2013 data.

Minel Shah, Hounslow stop smoking leader, said: “Sadly smoking is still one of the biggest causes of preventable deaths in Hounslow.

"We know that the majority of smokers do want to quit, however it can be hard to do without the right help and support.

"No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire smokers in Hounslow to quit for good.

"With support, smokers are more likely to succeed in their quit attempt. That is why Hounslow Stop Smoking Service will be out in force on No Smoking Day, educating smokers on the range of local services and resources available to them.”

To help people take the first step in their efforts to quit smoking the Hounslow team will be holding a number of roadshows at venues across the borough on No Smoking Day.

  • Wednesday March 11 - Hounslow Council Civic Centre, Hounslow - 11am to 2pm

  • Wednesday March 11 - West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth - 11am to 3pm

  • Wednesday March 11 - West Thames College, Isleworth - 11am to 1.30pm

  • Wednesday March 11 - Treaty Centre Shopping Centre, Hounslow - 9am to 6pm

Eva Gates, Stop Smoking Specialist at West Middlesex, said: “We understand that the majority of smokers want to stop smoking, but many find the task too daunting.

"No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire smokers in Hounslow to quit for good.

“With support, smokers are more likely to succeed in their quit attempt.

"That is why West Middlesex Hospital will be out in force on No Smoking Day, educating smokers on the range of local services and resources available to them.”

Over 10 million people in the UK still smoke, and around 100,000 die every year from smoking-related causes.

The British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) annual campaign inspires and helps smokers who want to quit and this year over one million smokers are expected to use No Smoking Day to quit.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said: “Giving up smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health, and that’s why the British Heart Foundation runs No Smoking Day.

"We’re encouraging smokers to mark Wednesday March 11 in their calendars and take the first step towards a smoke-free life.”

Contact the Hounslow Stop Smoking team on 020 8630 3255 or email stop.smoking@hrch.nhs.uk.